David VanAlstine

Elder

I have lived my entire life in Grant Center, a small community northeast of Big Rapids. As a child I attended a one room schoolhouse for 3 years. When it closed, I started taking the bus to public school in town. I attended a little country church a half mile down the road from where I lived. This is where I grew up getting to know God.

This is also where I first met Kelley, a young girl at the time. Later, we began dating. We have now been married for 35 years with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. We still live in Grant Center. I love to see my grandchildren playing in the same dirt that my grandfather, father, and I, myself played in! In 1978 I began my career at the local John Deere dealership. I began as a technician and now, almost 40 years later, in sales. Talking with people allows me to share my faith and encourage other men. I have known who God is my whole life. But it wasn’t until November 1995, while at a men’s retreat, that I really met Jesus and asked Him to be my Savior and the Lord of my life.

In 2003, we started “visiting” Trinity Fellowship Church. We quickly felt at home and spiritually fed here. Membership felt important and then God called me to adult baptism.

I love to spend time with my children and grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy camping and any excuse to ride my motorcycle.